The 500-year-old Joseon Dynasty. Hanyang(Seoul), the capital city in the center. Among them, Gyeongbokgung Palace is the place where the king was. Hanoks around Gyeongbokgung Palace have been designated as cultural heritages. Compared to apartments and modern houses, Hanoks are less convenient, so they are recently being used as guesthouses or commercial facilities.
I visited a cafe called 'Yeogiinga(Is it here?)', which runs a cafe in a 100 years old Hanok in Seochon, near Gyeongbokgung Palace.
It's an area with development restrictions, so it brings back old sentiments from every corners. The entrance reminds me of the alley where I used to drive my three-legged bicycle in my childhood.
A unique table stands out in front of the entrance.
If you cross the entrance of the square-shaped hanok, you will see a tiny garden. I felt like I am visiting my grandmother's house in my old memory.
You have to take off your shoes in front of the floor. In fact, the name of the cafe is attatched on the entrance, and there is even a notice telling me to take off my shoes and order my drink, but I had a strange hesitation because it feels like it's someone's house. 'Is this really a cafe?'
I couldn't believe it even after I opened the door. I think it is because this Hanok still has the structure and atmosphere of private house.
It's a cafe run by a family, so it feels more like a private house.
Uniquely, they also run writing and coffee clubs here.
And, right here, what do you think this is?
It's the menu. They are using an old emotional photo album as a menu.
On one side, there is a menu, and the other side, there is a picture that seems to have been taken by the owner.
More interesting thing is that there is a family introduction. The owner is a writer who also runs a writing, reading, and cultural gathering club. I had a chat with the owner when I order, he was very calm and he gave me a good explanation.
Coffee taste search club and post-work writing club are held in one-day classes.
I like vanilla latte because it's a little less sweet than other places. I wanted the milk foam to be thicker.
He explained the background of the cafe. Since the owner is a writer, I can feel it from his words.
Actually this Hanok was used as a private house until 2019, and even now, half of it is a cafe, and the rest of the space is a place where his family live.
- Food ★★★☆☆
It's a bit disappointing that the signature drinks were not prepared, but the representative bean, Aricha is recommended for its rareness.
- Cleanliness ★★★☆☆
Old but shiny
- Service ★★★★☆
The owner is calm and nice.
- Ambience ★★★★☆
Very friendly
- Accessibility ★★★☆☆
Walk for 5 minutes from exit 2 of Gyeongbokgung Station on line 3.
- Open Hours: From 12:00 to 22:00, Closed on every Wednesday
- Recommended Number of Guests: 2~4 person
- Recommended Menu: Aricha, Waffle
- Price Range: 8,000 won for Aricha drip
- Amenities: wi-fi
Address: 24-4 Jahamun-ro 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
